Semi-retired Lexi Thompson, Brittany Lincicome make quick returns to LPGA at Founders Cup
It wasn't a long goodbye for Lexi Thompson and Brittany Lincicome. After both players announced last year that they'd be stepping away from a full-time schedule, the two Florida natives will make their 2025 debut in the LPGA's second event of the year.
Lincicome, a two-time major champion, is in the Founders Cup field via a sponsor exemption, while Thompson qualified by way of her ranking of 50th on the CME points list. The field closed at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and both players were listed.
The Founders Cup will be held Feb. 6-9 at Bradenton Country Club. World No. 1 Nelly Korda will defend her title in Bradenton, though technically the event has changed from the Drive On Championship. Rose Zhang, winner of the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey, will head back to Stanford after the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to continue classes and will not compete.
Thompson, who got engaged over the offseason, tied for 16th last year in Bradenton. While the 29-year-old said she'd be cutting back her schedule in 2025, she has yet to reveal how many times fans might see her this season.
As a past champion of the Chevron, Thompson is exempt into the year's first major for as long as she wishes to play.
Lincicome, 39, warmed up for her return to competition with her annual lefty day. The mother of two shot 38 playing left-handed at Pasadena Yacht and Country Club earlier this week alongside several former touring pros and friends, including former Solheim Cup player Kristy McPherson (50), Kris Tamulis (54) and Jenny Gleason (56).
'My belly is still hurting from all the laughs,' Lincicome wrote on Facebook.
The Founders Cup is the first full-field event of the 2025 season and features a purse of $2 million.
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